Mining machine



H. n. STRAIGHT. MINING MACHINE.

APPLICATION'FILED MAR. 3l, 1919.

@ma Aug.v 15, i922.

Paf

8 SHEETS-SHEET l.

-H. R. STRAIGHT.

MINING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAH. 3l, 1919. 1 ,425,9 l 3. Ptente Augx, i922,

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fag La H, R. STRAIGHT. MINING MACHINE.

APPLICATEON FILED MAR. 3l', 19419.

PatenteAug.-15, 19.22. f

s Shears-SHEET a.

www3.

H. R. STRAIGHT.

mmm; MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED MMI. 3l.' 1919.

Patented Aug. 15, 1922.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

- H. R. STRAIGHT.

MINING MACHINE.

APPLTCATTON FILETXMATT. 3T. T919.

Ptentea. Aug. 15, 1922.

H. R. STRAIGHT. MINING MACHINE,

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 3I I9I9.

Patented Aug. 15, 1922..

8 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

H. R. STRAIGHT.

MINING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR.31, 1919.

yPatented Aug. l5, 1922.

8 SHEETS-SHEET I.

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MINING MACHINE.

To all whom t may concern.'

Be it known that I, Hanvnn R.. STRAIGHT, a citizen of the United States, residing at Adel, in the county of Dallas, State of lowa, have invented a new and useful Mining Machine, of which the following is the specifi" cation. f

This invention relates to mining inachinery adapted to mining rock salt, sulphur, oil shale, etc., and is especially adapted to mining oil shale.

Oil shale is a substanceV of a bituminous nature and will Aproduce crude oil and ammonia by destructive distillation, large quantities of it has been found in. the mountainous regions of certain parts of the United States in layers or veins from ten to fifteen feet iii depth and in a good many cases above the valley floors. lt may be mined by tunneling or drifting. Oil shale is hard and tenacious at atmospheris temperatures but .becomes quite soft, rotten and volatile when heated 'to a temperature of three or four hundred degrees.` 1

It has been customary heretofore to mine it by the pick and blasting, after which Ait is necessary to crush it by a special Crusher before submitting it to the ldistillation proc ess. fine material which is more or less objectionable. On account of its viscous and elastic nature at normal temperature it is hard to drill withy an ordinary pneumatic drill,

the drill having` a tendency to bounce without materially cutting the shale. lt does not blast readily,the charge havingv a tendency to blow outy rather than break and shatter. Then the chunks are blown off they are hard to break and handle, thereV fore an object of my .invention to pro-- vide a mining` machine of simple, durable and comparatively inexpensive construction capable of cuttingl and breaking the oil shaleV cutter points without materially volatilizing the contained hydrocarbons or elements.

Specification of ietters Patent. Piutenjd Aug. 15, Application filed March 31, 1919. Serial No. 286,564.

' liveri'ng the This causes alarge amount of very -end portion of chine, l 'y Fig. 2 showsa side elevationofther'ear i l shown ytion ofthe spring 'actuated safety plate. -f

A further object is to pr'ovide'in a mining machine, an excavatormember having cutters and buckets capable of excavating.` elevating` and delivering material, all formedunitedly acting as a single unit having lno moving parts to loosen `or wearvout.

A further object is to provide in a mining machine having an excavator mounted, on a swinging' frame, new andimproved means for delivering the material from the excavator to a lixed predetermined point.

A further object is to provide a vmachine having a member designed to rest on a track and a frame supporting an excavator, the j said frame being 4 mounted for swinging movement, and for forward movement, the said ,machine beingorovided with' means forl advancing said rame relative to the first member and for drawing the first niem-l ber forward relative tothe frame;

A further object is to providea machine comprising a member to be suitably sup-` ported and a 'frame for carrying an excavator,-capable `of a swinging, la rotary-and. a forward movement and' meansJ oni-said frame for operating the excavator', and rdeniaterial excavated Ito a fixedv point. f i y I' @ther obj eots tionand claims'.UA il obtain these objects by the mechanism illustrated in the accompanying` drawings in which:v Y y f y Fig, .l `shows Va side elevation of the front my vimproved mining inaend ofthe same. l 'Figv 3 shows atop view of l with the excavator member at rightangles tothe track and 'at right angles to the "position in Fig.l l. W

'Fig l shows the plan viewsof` Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a lcentral longitudinal'sectional view of a'segment ofthe excavatormembei', supporting frametriick and conveyor.

Fig. 6 is adetailed view showing f'a porp F '7 is ay longitudinal ,sectional` view takenv through lthe center` of theA cutter' holder and supporting'rim, showingithe method 'of insulation.

`Fig. 8-is aseotional view taken `onthe line ew-e of Fig; s. y

will appearjin descrip-f',`

Fig. 9 is a rear elevation of the speed reducing mechanism for the advance feed device.

Fig. 10 is a detailed sectional on the line 10-10 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a detailed sectional view 'taken on the line 11-11 of Fig. 3. y

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken on the line 12-12, Fig 11.

Fig. 13 is a longitudinalsectional .view showing roller supporting axle and a segment of the roller. l

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the cutter holder.

Fig. 15 shows a sectional view of the roller and the heater for heating the same.

Fig. 16 is a central longitudinal sectional view of the speed reducing gears and casing.

Fig. 17 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 17-17 of Fig. 16. Fig. 18 is a detailed sectional view taken on the line. 18-18 of Fig. 11.

Similar numbers referto similarl parts throughout the several views.

. The numeral 10 indicates the truck having side members 11, axles 12 and wheels 13. The side members 11 are secured together by means of' transverse bars 14. Mounted upon the side members 11 is a pivot frame 15 having a circular opening 16 and an upwardly view taken .extending annular flange 17. The frame 15 is secured to the members 11 by means of bolts 18. The truck 10 is designed to rest on a track 19, the said track being` constructed in short sections for the purpose hereinafter more fully set forth.

Rotatively mounted upon the front axle 12 and between the members 11 is a belt pulley 20. Rotatably supported on the flange 17 of the frame 15, is a frame 21 having a downward extending annular flange 22 designed to lit and move in the flange 17, the

l said frame 21'being provided with fixed slide blocks 23 atdiametrical opposite sides of the fiange 22. rlhe said blocks 23 are provided respectively with screw threaded holes parallel with each other.

For mounting machinery hereinafter 'to be described, I have provided a frame, comprising two adjacent transverse beams 24, a

, said transverse beams.

beam 25 parallel therewith, longitudinal beams 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 resting on top of Secured longitudinally, between the beams 24 and 25, are two sets of parallel channels 31. Secured beneath each set of the channels 31, is a channel 32 having its channel side facing downward to form guides and designed to receive the blocks 23 of the frame 21 as illustrated in Fig. 11.

channels 32, is a bearing 34. Rotatively mounted in the bearings 33 and 34 and the slide bloclrs 23 are screw threaded shafts 35 arranged longitudinally beneath the channels 32 and provided with thrust bearings 36 at each end designed to engage the ends of saidl bearings 33 and 34. Mounted on the rear end of each shaft 35, is a bevel gear 37. The channels 32, the blocks 23, and the screws 35 are for the purpose of sliding the frame member relative to the pivot member 21.

For lsimultaneously operating the screws 35, l have provided the following mechanism:

Secured to the back side of the beam 25, are bearings 38, 39, 40 and 41. (Fig. 9 and Fig. 3.) .lotatively mounted in the bearings 38 and 41 is a shaft 42. Secured to said shaft 42 and in mesh with the gears 37 are bevel gears 43. A spur gear 44 is secured near the end of said shaft 42. Rotatively mounted in the bearings 39 and 40 and in line with the shaft 42, is a shaft 45. Secured to said shaft 45 between the said bearings, is a pinion 46 and a gear 47. For operatively connecting the shaft 45 and the shaft 42, l have secured a clutch member 48. to the shaft 45 and provided a slideably mounted clutch 49 on the shaft 42 to engage and disengage the clutch member 48. For opshaft 50, and in mesh with the pinion 46, is'

a gear 54. Secured to the opposite end of the shaft 50 from the gear 54 and in line with the gear 44, is a pinion 55. The face of the pinion 55 is considerably wider than the face of the gear 44 and is of such a diameter as to be out of operative relation therewith.

A pinion 56 is rotatively and slideably mounted on the shaft 5l and is in mesh with the pinion 55. A block 57 is slideably mounted on the shaft 51, having pins 58 and a downwardly projecting portion 59, the said downwardly Aprojecting portion being provided with a bifurcated end which is designed to rest vin the groove 60 in the clutch member 49. A lever 61 is secured to a longitudinal shaft 62, and is operatively connected with the pins 58 of the me1nberv59, the said shaft being rotatively mounted in a bearing 63. A hand lever 64 is secured at the opposite end of the shaft 62. lt will be seen by movingthe lever 64 to the right, for instance, that the clutch 49 will be moved out of engagement with the clutch48,and

` Contact with Athe ground the pinion 56 willl be moved into engagementv with the spur gear 114. AVThe purpose of this will be described in connection with the practical explanation of the operation ofthe machine.

For carrying` the freeend of the frame in.

a semi-circularpath, `I have provided the following mechanism. i

Secured to the forward ends of the frame `members 27, 28, 29 and 30, are'transverse members 65.` ySecured betweengthe members 65 ,and the `members 24, and adjacent to the members 27 and 30, arel beams 66. Arj ranged diagonally beneath theouter ends of the members 65 and 211, are channels67 l mounted between the beams 221 and the members 65 are diagonal channels 68. ylvlounted beneath thechannels 67 are bearings69, the

said bearings69 being provided with'projecting portions 7 O. Secured beneath'v the channels 68 and in line with the bearings 69, are bearings 71. The bearings v69 and 71 are designed to carry a shaft 72, the said shaft 72 being provided at one end with an eccentrio portion 7 3 and at the other end with an eccentric portion 74 and a lieiiagon portion 7 5.y The portion 74 is provided with a hole y 7 6, which is designed to receive the pin 77.

Rotatively mounted upon each of the shafts 72, is roller 78 `having` the shape of a frustum. The shafts 72 are `arianpged at angles to each other of about 90 degrees and equifdistantfroml the longitudinal line through the center of thel frame-and pivot truck. Secured. to one end of each of the vrollers 78, are two sprocket wheels 7 9. The

.i burner is designed to be placed 'ahead of the roller 7 8 aV slight distance and isfor the purpose of heatino)` thevoutside of the roller' so that material'that may stick to theroller will more easily disengage it. rllhe opposite end of thel burner 68a' is designed to extend upward kand connect with any suitable gas supply. l y l e Secured above themembers 67 and restingon the members 24 and 65, are beams 817. A. similar beam .82, butr of less height and nearer the center of the machine is pro-A vided resting` on tliemeinbers 24, and 66. These beamsy are p' for the purpose of sup porting' bearings 83 and 811. The said bearings are designedy to. receive shafts 85, the said shafts being mounted parallel with yaround ther sprocket-S79. p outerend ofeach of the 'shaft-e185,4 is a spur l gear 88. Restingupon thev members 81 and y vthereon and in mesh with *the pinion93a.

85, near the centralrportion, is .a double r, sprocket pinion 86. Chains87 are provided `the shafts 72. Secured toeach of thel shafts for the sprockets A86and designed tofpas'swv `Secured :to the S2, are plates 89; Each of these platesis designed to have a reversiblelmotor-.QU

mounted thereon and in line lwith said14 motor, a speed reducing gearzfoasing .91.`

This gear case isi provided with a. drivingy shaft 91a, the. outer endl of whit-.his con nected to a coupling 92 and' driven frointhe motor shaft'90a of the 4motor 90.` Near-the' inner end of the shaft 91ais a pinion 'wheel 93a secured thereto by a Vpinv 94a. Secured in one end of the "casiiig91, are studs 95a .l `v

having pinions l96a rotatively mounted Rotativelymountedon the innernend ofthe shaft 91a, is an internal gear 97a inrmesh with the pinions 96a. The gear 97"L is pro.g

`vided withy a hub on which is mounted ak pinion 96a.y Secured near the center of the casing 91 is a disc 91". This disc 91b is provided'with'an opening v92?, and shafts 92 rota-tively vmounted therein.` Each yof the shafts 92c` is provided at one end with a comparatively larve'pinion 921inf'1'nesli with the pinion 96a.

comparatively smallery pinion y923. IRotatively mounted inthe opening' 92h" and the bearing 93d isa driven shaft 9&3, the'` outer end of which is secured to the Ipinion (Fig. 3.) Secured "to the shaft 94a,l l have .providedan internal gear 95a in mesh with the pinion92e. lt will beseen that as the shaft '91a is yrotated through'*the -`A motor 90, the shaft 94 Will be driven ata considerably `fslower" speed. vv`-This speed reducer" 91 is similar to` .those already `on the market and formsno vpart off mypreseut invention. l e

Thus it will beseen `that if both of the motors 90 are rotated in the v same directio`n,: the pinions 93'will be vrotated through the gear casing 91 and rotationv iinpartedto the spur gears' 88. lThis will Arotate the shaft 95.` y The opposite end off each of the-shafts 92C'is provided with a4 ico iio

85 together with the sprocket pinions 86,'

which will in turn-"rotate the rollers78 through thev chain 67 and' theV sprockets i 79. This rotary motion in the same direc-` *r tion will cause the framemember to'lbe' moved in the circular'pathabout the "inem-v e ber 17 as the pivot. If the direction ofthe be swung r motoi` isreversed, the franieavill in a reverse direction. e

Secured to the forwardends of the frame" members 27, 28,29 and 30, are bearings '89% .A

These ,bearings are designed to receive the shaft 90', the centralportion offwhich isv provided with the hi`ib7911. The hub 91a has spokes 92a, the outer ends ofv which are` i370 n Y.

.95. Each edge of the rim 932L is provided .with the internal gear 96 and the periphery of therim is provided with lugs 97, the said .lugs having` holes 98 to receive bolts 99, which are designed to secure side members 100 to the edges of said rim. The members 100 are provided with outwardly extending lugs 101 and with .lugs 102 which are designed vto overlap. the end. or the adjacent members. lt will be seen that these meinbers 100 form annular side members. rlhe hub 91a", spokes 92a `and the rim 93a form an integral member which is 'for the purpose of carrying buckets and cutters. T he mein bers 100 form the side members of the buckets. The cutters 103 are mounted in a casting 10e. This casting is provided with a segmental portion 105 and a plate 106, the plate 106 being set at an acute angle with the segment 105. 19st the central portion oit the plate 106, is a rib 107 having recess 108. This recess is for the purpose of holding the cutter 103. The cutter is secured in position by means of a set screw 109. The inner portion of therecess 108 is provided with an enlarged portion 110 which is for the purpose or receiving an insulating block 111. This block 111 is prov vided with` a bearing plate 112. The cutter holder is insulated from the rim 93 by means or suitable insulating material 113 as clearly shown in Fig. Tf. The said holder is secured to the rim by means of bolts 1111 and 115. Thebolt 11el is insulated from the cutter member and the bolt is sulated from the rim. v The riii is also pro vided with a set screw 116 designed be in line with the insulated block im signed to rest against the same. A

leek

nut.117 is provided 'for said bolt. VThe plate 106 is or such a width as to engage the side members 100 at each side. The back side of the member 105 is designed to rest aga-inst the lug 97.

Thus it `will be seen that buckets will be ymove downwardly at the back side.

` Each bolt 115 is connected with anv electric wire 118 eachA or which is connected to a circular wire 119.

Secured to the toa oit the members 2T l a 28 29 and 30 are bearings 120. rliese bear- 7 1 ings are designed to receiveshatts 12 @n the inner end or each or the sha1-ts 121, is

`a pinion 122 designed to mesh with in-V Mounted upon each or the ternal gear` 96. Y shafts121, is a large spur gear 123. A shalt 124C, parallel with the shafts 121, is mounted in bearings 125. Mounted on the shaft 124 are pinions 126 in mesh with the gears 123. Adjacent to one or the pinions 126, is a gear 127. A shaft 128 is arranged parallel with the shaft 1241 and is rotatively mounted in bearings 129. L piniony 130 is secured to theA shaft 128 and in mesh with they gear 127. A motor 131 is ydesigned to rotate the shalt 128. Mounted on one end of the hub 91a is a rim of insulating material 179 which is designed to carry a slip ring 180, the said slip ring 180 is connected with the wire 119 by a conductor 192. Secured to one of the bearings 89a is an insulating` block 181.y

This block is designed to carry a plate 182, said plate ybeing secured in position by means of the bolt 183. On the `free end of the plate 182 l have provided an upright 184, the upper end of which is designed to carry a spring contact member 185, designed to make contact with the ringn 180.

For delivering the material from the buckets et the excavator member, I have provided a transverse member 132 resting on the members 128 and l129.

said bearings being designed to receive the shaft 13e, the said shalt being provided at its central portion with a plate 135. This, .plate is designed to extend upwardly and forwardly adjacent to the cutters 103. Pivotally mounted on the shaft 133, is a chute 136, the upper edgeof which is provided with transverse bars13'7 projecting laterally from the sides of the chute (Figj 11). A second chute 138 has itslowerend hinged to the member 21and itsupper end "ielescoping the chutD 137. rllie top edge of side oic the chute and pass beneath the outer'A ends of the bars 137. The outer ends of said bars are provided with U shaped bolts 141 which are slideably mounted on` the upper ends or the rods in Fig-12. Y

The semi-cylindrical plate 14:2 is designed to rest on the top of the member 21 and is l'or the purpose of forming a shield and direct the material through the center of said members as will be described.

To prevent material delivered by y the bucket members from scattering, and to direct it to the chute 136, l have provided a lever 1441 having at its free end a spring 145, the upper end of which is secured to a pin 146 in the side of the chute A3, the purpose of which will be more fully set forth.

Mounted on lthe track 19, and adjacent to the rear end of the truck 11, is a second Mounted on the top or the member 132 are bearings 133,

he chute 138 is also provided. with trans-lr 1110, as is clearly shown truck 147. This truck is secured to the truck 10 bymeans of plates 148 and bolts 149. The truck 147 is provided with an inclined frame 150, upon which is mounted transverse rollers151 and 1.52. 'Rotatively mounted in the rear end of the frame 150,A is a shaft on whichy a belt roller 154 is mounted. The trame`150 is secured in position by means of uprights `and 156. Mounted upon the rollers 20, 151, 152.and 154, is a beltrv 191. Secured transversely on the top of the members 156 are channels 157. The outer ends ci these channels are designed to carry shafts 158. The `forward end of each of the shafts 158 is provided with a bevel gear 159 and `their central portions arevprovided with rollers 160. Rollers 160 are designed to carry the transverse belt conveyor 161. Extending longitudinally with the frame 157., are shafts .162. These shafts are vcarried by means of bearings 163 and 164. One endofjeach of the shafts 162 is provided with a bevel gear 165, which is designed to mesh with the bevel gear 159. The shafts 162 have at their inner ends slidable clutch members 166.1

Rotatively mountedin the frame 150 and inline with the shafts 162, is a shaft 167, each end ot whichis provided with a clutch member 168, the said clutch member beine; secured to the shaftby means of a pin 169. I, have provided av transverse bar 170 slidably mounted on the trame 150 and having` `its -ends operatively connected with the clutch members 166. Operatively connected with the bar 170 'is a lever- 171, said lever being pivoted to the frame 150. The bar 170 is Vot such a lengththat one of the clutch members 166 will vengrageits adjacent clutch member 169 while' theopposite clutch member 166 will disengage its adjacent clutch member. y y i Mounted upon the shaft 153. is a `gear 172 in mesh with a gear 173 on the shaft 167. A pinion 174 is in mesh with the gear-.173 and is carried by a transverse shaft 175. 'A

gear 176 is also carried -by the'sha'ft 175` and is in mesh with the pinion 177 which is mounted on a motor 178.y

Mounted upon and adjacent to the tor ward lside of the Lmembers 65, yare upright members 186, which have their upper ends slidably mounted in brackets 187. The lower ends oit the uprights 186 are pivoted to inclined brace members 188, the back end of each brace member being' secured to a member 24 by means, of a bracketl 18,9. Adjustably mounted on the uprights 186. I

have provided a plate 190, the lower edge of which is curved forwardly and isdesigned to engagewthe floor for the purpose of moving` material into position to be carried by the buckets. f

For preventing the truck 10 from moving rearwardly, I' have provided brackets 193,

`gether withl the spokes 92au andthe hub 91a,`

which aredesigned to rest against the l side vof the wheels 13' and designed torest on top of the rail 19. This brackety is se'- eured in position by means ot the -clamp 194, having a set screw 195 forsecuri'ng'the et which will be more-fullyv set forth.

` Assuming that the track 19 has been laid in sections as illustrated in Figi. 5, and that the truck'lO is in position thereon :and it` vsaid brackets tothe saidrail, thepurpose y' is desired to operate the machine, the motor 131, which may beV connectedwith anysui1L` able current by means `not illustrated inthe drawings, will be rotated, which will in turn rotate the shaft 128, the pinion 130, the spur gear 127,w'hich will in turn rotate the shaft 124. This shaft 124 has two'p'inionsl 126 rigidly-secured thereto. These pinions will rotate the gears 123 simultaneouslyfand together, the said gears 123'being' mounted on shafts 121, the inner ends of which are provided with the .pini-ons "122 which are? i rotated and in turn'will rotate they internal. gear96. l a Thus it will be seen` that the rim 93?, 'towill be rotate-d. Th'ey in turn will. carrythe cutter holders which comprise theplates 106 andthe cutter members ,103, as clearlyy shown in `Fig.-v 1` of the'drawings. The cutter members 103 willeng-a'ge'the'material at a point vertically below Vthe center ot the;v

shaft and 'continue to engage it untilit has reached the p'ointvertically above the said shaft. It is to be understood that the cutwise direction as shown in Fig. V1.` While the motor 131 is being operated-,"themolters and rotary member, rotate vina clock# '-5.'

tors 90 will also be operated in the saine direction, which `will cause the pinions 93 and the gear 88 to berotat'ed and the rollers 7 8 as above described; rollers 78 will cause lthesuppertinttrameZ to be carried in a circular path about the center ofv the member 15 as a 'pivot'. Thus it will be seen that two'injotions are' imparted to the cutters 103; a circular and "a, side or transverse movement.4 This 'trans-' verse movement causes the 'cutters to be fe'd into the material. When the cutters have reached a position at right angles to 'alongi- This rotation of the tudinal center line through thetruck'lO, thel i motors 90 are reversed, which `will cause the supporting trame to rotate inv the opposite direction. As thel 'cutters are vbeing rotated, afp'ortion of the material therefromjwill Vfall in the buckets formed, by thepl'ates106,and a portion 'of it will fall down' the side 'of the portion excavated. In order tol give ,clear-'f ance tothe cutters, "the side members 1100 are made narrow and provided with notches. @n account ot this-width, a portion 'ofthe For Vgatherinfv -thisl portion 'of *.materi'al, vI

1 material will not be'gatheredbythe buckets.

up, travelling` over any material that might be in its path. This upward movement is f permitted by the support 186 sliding` upward inthe bracket 187 and also through the pivot connections with the member 188.. rlhe plate 190 back of the cutters will ymove the material forwardly up against theside of the Wall and clean the floor in front of the roller 78. As the cutters move transversely, the sides of the members 100 will engage the material. l have provided the outwardly extending` flanges 101 for the purpose of moving the said material into the path of thel plates 106. rEhe plates 106 rotate with the cutters and are placed back of them in such a position as to readily receive the inaterial on' their upward movement. The material will be carried by said plates and retained by means of the members 100. After the said plates 106 have passed over a point vertically above the shaft 90n to a position of approximately 45 degrees back of said ver- "tical line, the material engages the back sides of the said plates 106 and is there con# tinually moved downward, the angle of the plates' changing to such a degree that the material will be thrown outward or tangent from the face of the plates. For receiving this material l have provided the chute 136, the chute 143 being designed to keep the material from spread-ing and 'to cause it to enter the chute 136.

It will be seen from the above description, that as the cutters are rotated and moved transversely, that the material will be cut into small chunks of the proper size to be used in retorts for distillation. To cut this `material with less power, l have provided an electrical means for heating the shale and softening` it. To accomplish this l have insulated the plate 106 and the tool or cutter 103 from the rim 93a and have connected them electrically with the wire 119 through the bolts 115, as is clearly shown in the Fig'. 5 and Fig. 7. The wire 119 is connected with the wire 192, which is connected with the slip ring 180 as before described. Ar wire 195a is connected with an induction coil 196'. This in turn is connected by a ground wire 197. A primary circuit is established through wires 198 which are connected with the primary coil 199. By this arrangement, when the current is switched on the line 198, a very heavy current will be produced in the wire 195 and carried to the cutters 103 which engage the material to be removed and establish a circuit through the said material to the ground wire 197. The current passing from the point of the cutter 103 will heat the material at that point and causeitto be softened without materially heating` the chunksy that `are excavated and thereby prevent the said chunks from giving o the volatile hyf drocarbons. y

After the supporting frame has been rotated to the end of its movement in either direction, it is necessary to move the cutter outwardly from the center of the pivot 15."

Tais l accomplish through the slides 32 and the blocks 23 before described and the screws complished by moving the lever k64 to the right as shown in Fig. 9. This will cause the pinion 56 to engage the gear'44 and the clutch member 49 to disengage the clutch member 48. The nic-tor 53 is then started, which will cause the pinion 56 to be rotated through the speed reducing gears 55, 54, 46,v 47 and 52. This in. turn will rotate the'shaft 42, which will cause the bevels 43 and 7,to

be rotated, which will'in turn rotate the. screws 65 andr the guide members 32 to be` moved relative to the blocks 23.

After the frame has been movedv about an inch, the motor is then stopped and the m0- tors 90 reversed, which will cause tl e frame to be swungi about its pivot as before de? scribed. After the frame has been advanced a number of times until the members `25 engage the pivot member 15, section vof track 19 is placed in front ofthe one in which the truck is mounted, the lever 64 is then moved to the position shown in Fig. 9 and the motor 58 started, which will cause the gears 52, and 47 to be r tated, and with them, the shaft 45., rEhe siaft 42 willv bev rotated through the clutches 48 and 49 at a speed equal to the shaft 45 and in a direc-l tion opposite to that whichy itrotated to advance the supporting frame. `The screws 35 will also be. reversed. This will cause the truck l0 to be move l towards the .cutters to .the position shown in Fig. 1. rIhe clamp 198 will then be again placed in position back of the rear wheels 13. lt will be seen that the shafts 35 will be rotated at a. considerably higher speed, which enables the truck 10 to be quickly moved into position. lt will also be seen that as the truck is moved relative to the supporting frame, that the chutes vv186 and 188 will be moved relative to each other, thereby accommodating the diiference in distance between the shaft 134 .and the members 21. lnconiiection with this it will be seenvtha-t the members 187 will slide onl the bars 140. This is for the purpose of preventing the chute from swagging in the center.

To provide against material lodging between the ends of the cutters 103 and the upper end of the chute 156, l have provided the plate. 135, which is free to swing downward against the action of the spring v145 and let any large chunk of material pass The rotation of the shaft is ac-y that may be lodged Without injuring the up` l per end of the chute. As the materials discharge from the plate 106 and slides downwardly through the chute 136 it Will pass through thecenter of the member 22 and fall upon the Iconveyor 191; Plates 197a are provided for throwing materialto the center of the conveyor. The conveyor 191 is moved by means of-tlie motor 178 and` the gearings 177, 176, 174, 173 and 172. The

materials Will r'be carried rearwardly and upwardly and discharged upon the transverse conveyor 161. This transverse convveyor may be driven in either direction by manipulating the` lever 171 to engage or disengage either of the sets ot clutch mem bers 168 and 166. It Willbe seen rfrom the construction that when the device is reversed that the conveyor is driven from, the end from which the materialA is discharged. Suitable cars may be provided to receive the material from the saidtransverse conveyor.

Sometimes it occurs While operating' a machine, that one side of the floor will be! come lovver than the other. To rectify this' I have provided t-lie eccentricsvf73 and 71 on the shaft 72 as shown in Fig.y 13. The outer end of the shaft72 is provided With .a hexangular portion 75 which is designed to re-y ceive a suitable Wrench. `The pin4 76 is removed and thesha'ft 72 rotated until the hole 76 isI in line with another hole in the hub 70, The pin 77 is again placed in position.A` -This slight rotation of:l the shaft 72 will cause one side oi the machine to be elevated or lowered depending altogether on which Way the shaft has been' rotated. chine Will then be operated 'until the floor has become level, at which time the pin 76 Will be again Withdrawn and the shaft 72 rota-ted to its normal position.

By the foregoing description, it will be seen that I have provided amachine which may be so operated as to enter the side ofv a mountain or vein of material to be ex\ cavated, and that the-material may be auto-- matically cut into small pieces, elevated yanddelivered to a point to the rear ot the machine and delivered to cars tvhicli'yvill deliver the material to the retorts to be distilled. y

I claim: p v A, 1. In a device ot the class described, a truck, a supporting frame pivoted thereon,

an excavator on one end of said trame,4

means for driving said excavator, rollers for carrying the excavator end of said sup-.

The ma- Vergay 'in a emi-amateur incumbe* 'centcrot said truck While said excavator is being operated and means tor 'conveying the material to Ya predetermined point of discharge. v f i l .f 3. In a'device ot the class described, a

unitary excavator member designed to excavate, elevatevand deliver material, means.

for supporting and rotating `said excavator member in a vertical plane, a pivot truck,`

means for alternately'moving said excavator member transversely in a semi-circular path f about the center of said truck- While said excavator is being operated, means for di minishing or increasingy the radius Vofv vsaid circular' path and means for ,conveying the y material to a Lpredetermined vpoint ofjdischarge.

In a ydevice ot' the-class described, a i l' truck, anannular pivot member thereon, a

supporting'firame `'capable of pivotal move-v nient relative'toysaid annular trame', an ex# cavator member ont said frame capable of excavating, elevating and discharging1man j terial, atelescopic chute torYreceiving-the discharged` material and conveying lit. to av point v'vhereit yvillifallthrough `said annular y p i vot 5.V IIn if-device' o'i" the class described, the: combination oi"` a track, a truck thereon capable ot ,longitudinal movement ,i relative e to saidtraclr, al 'supporting frame pivotallyy mounted on said truck, rollers for carryingthe tree end ot said supporting trame in a 3 circular path,l an "excavatorv memben ico monnftedfoii the treeend 'of saidv rame,.

means for. driving said excavator f as rit; `is moved in a circular lpath, and independent direction. f

6, In a device' ot the "class, described, a

track, a truck thereon capable of longitudi-l Anal movement `relative to said track, a supporting iframe pivotally mounted onfsaid" truck, means ier carryingv the Itree end off .said excavator trame in a circular path,-` an excavator .on the 'tree end o tsaid trame', and means toidriving said excavatoriv'hen in` means tor rotating said rollers in :either any of itspositions of :circular movement,

`sans 'for .holding the truck: against rear` Ward" movement, and means mounted oifi' a d supporting ytraine for moving 'saidsiipJ ira-ine longitudinally relative to sai'djl y s portin g r track.

s 7 In device ot the classdescribed-,thecombination ot a track, a' truck thereon.

capableot longitudinal movementfrelative and d` on thev tloorindeAV y said rollers in 'either direction. y,

In jaevifle. 'of the class .describ'ed, a unitary excavator`- member comprising, a'ror te said track; a supporting trame pivotallyf mounted on said` truck, conical rollers for carrying one end ofsaid supporting frame",

' .Viqned to travel ina circular 'path'1 endent means for "rotatl members tor moving material laterally intor said buckets.

10. ln `a device et the class described, the combination of a track, a truck thereon capable of longitudinal movement relative to said track, a supporting trame pivotally and slidably mounted on said truck, conical rollers tor carrying one end of said supporting trame and designed to travel in a circular path on the floor, independentJ `means for rotating said rollers in either direction, means for holding the truck against rearward movement and means for moving said` supporting trame forward to increase the radius ot the circular path of said rollers. y

ll. An excavator member comprising a hub having spokes, a rim securedto said spokes, said rim being provided with lugs on its periphery and an internal gear on each edge, cutter holders provided with laterally extending plates to form bucket bottoms, means for detachably securing said cutter holders to said rim adjacent to said lugs, detachable plates for bucket side members, a cutter for each ot said holders, means for securing the cutters 'in said holders and means tor adjusting said cutters.

12. ln a device ot the class described, a truck, an annular pivot trame on said truck, a second annular pivot trame mounted on said first pivot trame, a supporting frame having one end slidably mounted on the said second pivot trame, rollers arranged to carry the free end of said supporting trame in a horizontal semi-,circular path, means for driving said rollers in either direct-ion, means for moving the supporting frame relative to the second annular pivot frame to increase or diminish the radius or" said circular path, a rotary member mounted on the tree end ot said supporting trame designed to excavate, elevate and discharge material, means for rotating said excavating member, means for receiving material from the excavator member and delivering it through the annular pivot members, and a conveyor for said truck for receiving and conveying material to a predetermined point ot delivery.

13. Ina device .of the class described,

a truck, a supporting frame pivoted thereon, rotary excavator on one end of said. trame, means tor driving said excavator, conical rollers tor carrying the excavator end of said supporting frame, and independent means tor rotating each of said rollers in either direction.

.ln a deviceot the class described, a

truck, supporting trame pivotally and slidably mounted thereon, a rotary excavator on one end ot said trame, means for drivin lsaid excavator, conical rollers for carryi L the 'excavator end ot said supporting trame, means tor rotating said rollers in either direction, and means for moving said supporting trame radially in either direction.

15. A rotary excavator member capable of excavating, elevating and discharging" material tangentially, conveying means for receiving 'thev discharged material, and yieldingmeans between said excavator and the said conveying means to permit chunksv said rollers in either direction, a rotary member mounted on the free end of said supporting trame designed to excavate, elevate and discharge material, means for rotating said excavating member, means for receiving material Jfrom the excavator member and delivering it through the annular pivot members, means for moving the excavator member radially from the pivot truck at a comparatively slow speed, means tor moving the pivot truck towards the excavator member lat `comparatively 'high speed. and a conveyor for said truck for receiving and conveying material to a predetermined point ot delivery.

17. 1n a device ot the class described, a truck, an annular pivot frame mounted on said truck, a second annular pivot frame mounted on said first pivot 'frame and provided with a slide block on two diametrically opposite sides, said blocks being provided with screw threaded holes, parallel with each other, a supporting trame, parallel guides in said trame slidably mounted on said sli-de blocks, parallel screw threaded shafts rotatively mounted in said trame designed to co-act with the said screw threaded holes, a bevel gear on one end of each screw threaded shaft, a bevel pinion in mesh with each of said bevel gears,a transverse shaft to carry both of said bevel'pinions, a spur gear on said transverse shaft, a second transverse shaft adjacent to and in line With the first transverse shaft, a clutch j and atively connected With the second transv verse shaft and said reverse gear, and means for simultaneously sliding said reverse gear in mesh With the said spur gear and the said jaw member out of mesh with its coacting jaw member, or vice versa.

18. In a device of the class described, a truck, an annular pivot frame mounted on said truck, a second annular pivot frame mounted on said first pivot'frame and provided with a slide block on/tvvo diametrically opposite sides, said blocks being provided With screw threaded holes parallel with eachother, a supporting frame, parallel guides in said frame slidablymounted on said slide blocks, parallel screiv threaded shafts rotatively mounted in said frame designed to co-act With the said screw threaded holes, a bevel gear on one end of each .screw threaded shaft, a bevel pinion in mesh with each of said bevel gears, a transverse shaft to carry both of said bevel pinions, a spurv gear on said transverse shaft, a second transverse shaft adjacent to and in line with the first transverse shaft, a clutch jaw on the adjacent end of the second transverse shaft, a mating clutch jaw splined to the first transverse shaft, amotor, speed reducing gears between the motor and the said second transverse shaft, aA reverse gear designed to slide in and out of mesh with the said spur gear, speed reducing gears operativelyT connected with the second transverse shaft and the said reverse gear, means for simultaneouslv 4 sliding said reverse gear into mesh with the said spur gear and the said jaiv member out of 'mesh With itsco-acting jaw membenor vice versa, vrollers to carry one end of said supporting frame in the semicirculai' path, a rot-ary excavating member on one vend of said supporting frame designed to encavate, elevate and discharge material, means foi` rotating said excavator, means for driving said rollers, means for receiving material from the said excavator member and discharging itl through said annular pivot members and means for receiving s lid material and conveying it to a predetermined point of discharge. f

19. In a devicefof the classvdescribed, a truck capable of horizontal and longitudinal movement in a horizontal plane, a pivot frame mounted on said truck, a second pivot frame mounted on the saidr first pivot frame and provided with slide blocks, a supporting frame, parallel guides in saidA supporting frame, parallel screw threaded shafts op eratively connected `With ysaid sliderbloclr,v

means lforsimultaneously rotating said shafts iuone direction, means for rotating the said shaftsin the opposite,directionr aty a `higher rate ofspeed, `rollers arranged. yto

carry oneend of said frame in a semi-circu lar path about the pivot of said truck, means `for driving said rollers in. either direction,

a rotary member mounted on the free end of said supporting4 frame designedto exca-l vate, elevate and discharge material, meansv Vfor rotating said excavating member, means 4 for receiving material from 'the excavator y member and delivering it through the anular pivot members vand a conveyor vfor said truck for receiving and conveying mate-v rial to a predeterriiined point of delivery. n

20. ln a device of .the class described, a truck capable of horizontal and longitudinal'movement in alhorizontal plane, a pivot.

frame mounted on -said truck, a second pivot frame mounted on the said first pivot frame l and provided with slideblocks, a support.- ing frame, parallel guides in said supporting frame, ,parallel ,screw threaded shafts voperatively connected with, saidV slide block,` means for simultaneously rotating said shafts in either direction, `rollers arrangedl to carfy one end of saidV frame a semi-v circular path aboutthepivot of said-truck and means for driving said rollers in either direction, a rotary meinber mounted on free endof saidsupporting frame `designed to excavate, elevate and discharge material, j,

.means for rotating said excavating member,

means for receiving material from thel excavator member and delivering it through they annular pivot members anda conveyor for said truck for receiving and .conveying material to .a predetermined point of delivery. j i truck, an annular pivot frame on .said truck, a second annular pivot frame mounted on said first pivot frame, a supporting vframehaving one end slidably mounted onkthe said second pivot frame, rollers arranged to carry the freeend of said supporting frame in ay horizontal semi-circular` path", means for driving said ro-llers'in either direction,"means for moving the supporting frame relative to the second annulary pivotv frame to increase or diminish .the radius of said circular'path, a rotary excavatormember on said frame having circumferential cutters, a bucket Ifor each. rof said' cutters designed` to"discharge f material tangentially therefromsaid member passing through thev center of said pivot" members, mean-s for continuously driving y said excavator member,' m`ean s `lfor lreceiving v ,jijio.. 21. lnadevice of theclass described, a y

the discharged vmaterial and delivering it through said annular pivot members, and a conveyor on said truck for receiving the material from saidannular pivot members and,v delivering it to a'predetermined point of discharge.

22. In a device of the class described, a pivot truck, a pivot frame on said truck, a supporting frame slidably mounted upon said pivot frame, means for carrying one end of said supporting frame alternately and transversely in a semi-circular path, means for moving the supporting frame longitudinally relative to the pivot frame to increase or'diminish the radius` of the circular path, a rotary excavator member mounted on the free end of said supporting frame having a series of circumferential cutters, buckets for' said cutters designed to discharge material tangential therefrom, the said member being designed to rotate in a vertical plane passing through the center of said truck and parallel with the longitudinal center of said supporting frame, means for continuously rotating said excavator member and means for receiving the discharged material and conveying it to a predetermined point.

23. In a device of the class described, a pivot truck, a pivot frame on said truck, a supporting frame slidably mounted uponi said pivot frame, means for carrying one end of said supporting frame alternately and transversely in a semi-circular path, means for moving the supporting frame longitudinally relative to the pivot frame to increase or diminish the radius of the circular path, a rotary excavator member mounted on the free end of said supporting frame having a series of circumferential insulated cutters, buckets for said cutters de-y .signed to discharge material tangential therefrom, the said member being `designed to rotate in a vertical plane passing through ythe center of said truck parallel with the longitudinal center of said supporting frame, means for continuously rotating said excavator member, means for receiving the discharged material and conveying it to a 'predetermined point, a primary circuit and a secondary circuit arranged to heat the points of said cutters for the purpose stated.

24. An excavator member having a cutter, means for moving said cutter through the material to be excavated, and electrical means for passing current through said cutters to the said material for the purpose stated.

25. ln a device of the class described, a pivot truck, a supporting frame slidably and pivotly mounted thereon, means for moving said frame relative to said pivot frame, a rotary elevator member mounted on said frame comprising a supporting member, a rim on said supporting member having on ery outwardly extending lugs, cutter holders means for detachably securing a cutter holder adjacent to one of the said lugs and to the periphery of said rim, a detachable bucket for each cutter designed to discharge material tangential therefrom, a pinion for each of said internal gears, a shaft for each of said pinions in line with each other, a counter-shaft parallel with both of said shafts, a gear on. each pinion shaft, a pinion keyed to said counter-shaft in mesh with each of said gears, a motor, speed reducing gears between the motor and said countershafts, means for moving the supporting frame about the pivot point and means for receiving and conveying the discharged ma` terial to a predetermined point of delivery.

26. ln a device of the class described, an excavator member comprising a rotary support, an annular rim on said support provided with an internal gear on each side, outwardly projecting lugs, cutter holders having laterally extending' 4plates to form. bucket bottoms, a cutter for each holder,

means for securing said cutters in position,`

means for detachably securing a cutter holder adjacent to each of said lugs and to said rim, annular side plates detachably se-V cured to each side of said rim and adjacent tothe ends of said laterally projecting plat-es and means for adjusting each of said cutters.V

27. An excavator member comprising a support, an annular rim on said support having an outwardly projecting annular flange on each edge, a transverse platek between said annular flanges set on an angle with the face of said rim and provided with a cutter socket in its central portions, cutters for said sockets, means for securing said cutters in position in'said sockets.

28. An excavator member comprising an annular rim outwardly project-ing detachably annular flange members to form an annular groove, a series of insulated transverse plates, between said flanges to form buckets having an integral cutter holder, a cutter for each holder', means 'for securing' said cutters in position in said holders and means for rotatively supporting said rim. 29. An excavator member comprising an annular rim, outwardly projecting detachable annular flange members to form an ancutters, an insulating means between said adjust-ing means and said cutters and means for rotatively supporting said rim.

BO. A cutter holder comprising a cylindrical segment provided at one of its longitudinal edges with a plate at an acute angle with said cylindrical'segment,said plate and segment being provided with a transverse rib extending between them,'said rib-being formed with ai longitudinal opening designed to receive a cutter.

3l. In a device oi'f the class described, a truck, an annular pivot frame on said truck, a second `annular pivot frame mounted on said lirst pivot frame, a supporting frame having one end slidablymounted` on the said second pivot trame, 'rollers' arranged `to carry the free end of said supporting trame in a horizontal semi-circular path, means for driving` said `rollers in either direction, means for moving the supporting frame relative tothe second annular` pivot frame to increase or diminish the radius of said circularV path, arotary integral member mounted on the free end `of said supporting lframe designed to excavate, elevate and discharge material, means for rotating said excavating member, an inclined telescopic chute for receiving material from the excavator member and delivering it through the annular pivot members, a conveyor for saidy i truck for receiving and conveying material to a predetermined point of delivery, a yielding bottom plate between the upper end of said chute and a rotary excavator member.

32. A truck having an annular pivot member, a supporting frame capable of pivotal and radial movement relative to said annular frame, a rotary excavator member capable of excavating, elevating and discharging material tangentially, a telescopic chute Jfor receiving the discharged material and conveying it to a point where it will fall through the said annular pivot.

33. A truck having an annular pivot member, a supporting Jframe capable of pivotal and radial movement relative to said annular frame, a rotary excavator member capable of excavating, elevating and discharging material tangentially, a telescopic chute for receiving the discharged material and yielding' means between the excavator and the upper end of said chute for the purpose stated.

34. In an excavating machine, a support,`

a cutter, an insulated cutter holder, means for detachably securing said cutter holder to said support, insulated means for adjusting said cutter and electrical means for producing a current of electricity between the points of said cutter and the material to be excavated.

35. In an excavatingmachine, a support, a cutter, an insulated cutter holder, means for det'achably securing said cutter holder to said support andv insulated means for adjusting said cutter.

36. In a device of the classdescribed, a

truck, asupporting frame pivoted thereon, a rotary excavator on one end of said frame, means for driving` said excaa'fatoi,` conlcal rollers torcarrying the excavator i yend of said supporting frame, and vmeans rollers designedl to rotate substantially about radial axes and support the excavator end means for driifing saidexcavator,conical.4

ot lsaid supporting` frame, means vfor driv? ing said rollers, the said excavator being.,-

arranged to rotate in a vertical plane between said rollers. 'l l 38. In a device of theclass described, a

truck, a supporting frame pivotally mount-V ed on said truck, an excavatoron one end of .said supporting frame, means for driving said excavator, conical rollers Stor conveying the excavator end of said frame in a circular path, means for tilting the frame' relative to said rollers and means `for driving said rollers in either'direction.r

39. In an excavator the combination `of cutters, means for supporting and driving said cutters, an electric means for producing a current of electricity between the points of saidr cutters and the adjacent material to be excavated.

40. In an excavator, a support, a cutter,-

`an insulated cutter holder and -means for said frame alternately in a semi-circular path and designed to travel on the iioor formed by said cutters and means for moving material left by the excavator to a position out of the path of said rollers and to a position where it can be gathered bysaid buckets.,

42. In a device of the class described, a pivot truck, a supporting frame slidably i and pivotally mounted on said truck,an excavator memberon one `end of'said frame, rollers on radial axeskfor carrying the excavator end of said frame in a circular path about said truck, means for increasing or diminishing the radius of said circular path by sliding said rollers in lines parallel with the line'bisecting the angle between the axes of said rollers, said rollers being provided with spiral lugsI designed to have their con-v tact portions lay in l-ine parallel with the said line of movement for the purpose l stated. Y t y 43. In an excavator, a support, a cutter,

izo

an insulated cutter holder and means for detachably securing` said cutter holder to said support. e

44, In an excavator' having` an excavator frame capable of swinging` in the arc ot a circle and moving` radially to increase the radius of said arc, conical rollers for carrying said 'frame and rotatively mounted on radial axes, said rollers being' provided with spiral tractor ribs designed to lay parallel With said line of movement at the point ofr contact With the floor.

45. ln a device or" the class described, a truck, an annular pivot member tliereon, a supporting frame mounted on and capable of pivotal and radial movement relative to said annular iframe, an excavator member on Asaid frame capable of excavating, elevating and discharging material and permitting it to fall through the said annular frame.

46. In a device of the class described,l a track, a truck thereon capable of longitu-` dinal movement relative to said track, a supporting frame pivotally mounted on said truck, means for supporting the free endet said frame to permit it to move in a circular pathl about itspivotal center, anexcavator on the tree end of: said frame, means for driving` said excavator, adjustable an-.-

choring means secured to said track, means operatively mounted on said supporting frame and operatively connected with said anchoring means to impart forward movement to said supporting frame longitudi nally .with said track. Y

HALVER R. STRAIGHT. 

